backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash 
1
a
: a sudden violent backward movement or reaction
b
: the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears)
also
: the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2
: a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3
: a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
backlasher
noun
Examples of backlash in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The backlash movement has one notable new ally.
—
Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 28 May 2026
However, insufficient attention to safety or geopolitical realities could invite setbacks and short-term volatility, whether through public backlash, security incidents or accelerated foreign competition.
—Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
His comments come amid the backlash to Ferrari’s new EV, the Luce, which has wiped billions off the Italian car group’s market capitalization.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 May 2026
Rodrigo's fans previously came to the pop star's defense during the initial backlash.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 28 May 2026
However, insufficient attention to safety or geopolitical realities could invite setbacks and short-term volatility, whether through public backlash, security incidents or accelerated foreign competition.
—Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
His comments come amid the backlash to Ferrari’s new EV, the Luce, which has wiped billions off the Italian car group’s market capitalization.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 May 2026
Rodrigo's fans previously came to the pop star's defense during the initial backlash.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
